Twyla Garrett Hosts Free Business Advice Blog.

Twyla Garrett is a serial entrepreneur. She has self-funded several multi-million dollar projects and is the owner of Investment Management Enterprise. Now, Garrett is promoting her recently published business blog,. Twyla’s posts offer advice on paying bonuses vs. providing pay raises, where to find the cheapest domain names, updated tax rules for different business classifications, and more. The blog can be accessed through a direct link on Twyla's official Twitter account.

“When I started my first business I truly was a fish out of water. I wasn’t prepared for all the real-life scenarios not taught in business school,” said Garrett. “I decided to write a blog post every day with real-world business advice. The stuff not taught in school. Entrepreneurs will be able to read my blog on a daily basis without ever providing me with an email address or receiving spam. This blog is my gift for those looking to start and run a successful business.”

Twyla Garrett posts a new blog entry on a daily basis, usually around 10pm pacific time. Garrett also takes requests to cover specific topics via her Twitter account. “If someone has a questions about which software to use for payroll, ask it. I can tell them what works and what doesn’t. I’m hopeful this information will help others learn from my mistakes and avoid them all together,” continued Garrett.

Twyla Garrett is an extraordinary entrepreneur, corporate speaker, and compelling author who has been personally invited to speak at The Whitehouse on the issues of creating jobs, economic growth and the controversial fiscal cliff of 2012. Garrett is known for her notable (sometimes 100% self-funded) business deals as much as she is known for providing excellent opportunities to individuals facing immense challenges. Twyla’s memoir will be published in 2013 and it will be followed by a series of “how-to” business books, starting with one based on Homeland Security. Currently, Twyla’s business blog and social media accounts furnish motivational quotes and an over-the-shoulder view of her unique perspective on profiting in business while helping others.

https://twitter.com/TwylaGarrett

Helene Vece of JumpStart Ink (Media Manager)
702-749-5925 Ext 210

Free Business Plans? Yes!

Free business plans? Yes! They are out there. But, that doesn't mean these "free" business plans are good. In fact, many of them are not. I've been through dozens of business plans on ArticleBase.com. Many offer ideas and financials for doughnut shops, liquor stores, and even pawn shop business. These "resources" can kill a business before doors even open.

So, how do you get help writing an actual business plan? Hire a professional. I write business plans for clients all the time. But, not everyone can afford to hire me and not everyone wants to hire me. I can give you the basics on business, but really- you should pair yourself up with an expert in your field.

Don't cut corners when you are starting a business. This includes downloading a free plan for a business or even paying for an online, downloadable template. There is more to a business plan than just writing down what you think will work or what you think a bank wants to see. Trust me on this, a business plan is a crucial blueprint for your success.

I want to hear your business plan questions and horror stories. Contact me on Twitter or leave a comment here.

Twyla

Are you reaching for magic in business?

The great leaders are like the best conductors – they reach beyond the notes to reach the magic in the players. – Blaine Lee

Are you reaching for the magic in business? Many of us go into business because we are passionate to create our own path in life. But, are we creating this path for the right reasons? Are we truly reaching for the magic that will make us money but provide a legacy, too? Or are we only focused on quick money and not investing in ourselves and are employees?

The key to business is to reach for the magic. You have to focus on it. Don't chase paper, don't worry about money not rolling in right away. Worry about talent within your company. Great talent makes for amazing magic. Business owners know they can't possibly run every aspect of their business. So, you have to find talented people to help you create magic and then the money will come.

I am willing and ready to take your questions on the magic of business.

Twyla

The Justice Department sued Standard & Poor's Ratings Services late Monday!

Here is an interesting article,http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324445904578284064003795142.html

Basically, The Justice Department sued Standard & Poor's Ratings Services late Monday, alleging the firm ignored its own standards to rate mortgage bonds that imploded in the financial crisis and cost investors billions.

There are a lot of politically motivated reasons for doing this. But, there are some sound ones, too. I am not sure if I agree or disagree. We did default. I couldn't walk into a bank and state I didn't pay my credit card because my mortgage was to high and it was someone else's fault. The bank would laugh at me and state that it is too bad and still my problem.

As a business owner, who does business with the federal government, this article does make me nervous. I am really interested to hear what other business owners think about it. Share your opinions with me or follow me on Twitter.

Twyla

Developing HR Policies

Business owners usually hate developing HR policies. Why? Well, the task can take them away from the core of their business and marketing duties. But, having strong and comprehensive HR policies in place will help you stay clear from potential liability issues!

Why policies are important!

1. They communicate values and expectations for how things are done at your organization
2. They keep the organization in compliance with legislation and provide protection against employment claims
3. They document and implement best practices appropriate to the organization
4. They support consistent treatment of staff, fairness and transparency
5. They help management to make decisions that are consistent, uniform and predictable
6. They protect individuals and the organization from the pressures of expediency

There are many ways to go about setting up HR policies that are legal, fair and keep company moral up. If you don't know much about HR then seek out information online, through professional HR groups, or you can ask me. The best advise is to have your legal team run a review on all the policies you are thinking about setting up before you implement them!

For a great HR resource, check out http://www.humanresources.org/website/c/

Twyla

Paying A Bonus Opposed To A Salary Increase.

In the current economic market it is no secret that pay raises are a difficult topic for both employer and employee. Now, some employers are getting creative. Bonus pays are becoming more and more common as a way to replace a pay increase. Here is why:

1. Bonuses are results driven. If your team is working, they get a bonus. If they are at a standstill - no bonus. Pay increases are often thought of as an entitlement and having nothing to do with performance. Paying a bonus is a win-win for employer and employee.

2. Bonus pay attracts competitive talent. If an employer notes a base pay and then states "regular bonuses based on performance" you will attract people who want to work. Like item number one, people who are willing to work for a lower base salary in exchange for a performance based bonus are more likely to be at work every single day and working to their fullest while at their place of employment.

3. Compel better management. Managers like to blame employees for why departments are not making money. But, many times these managers are not as involved with the employees and day-to-day operations as much as they should me. Bonuses help managers become involved with the day-t-day operations.

So what is the catch? Money! Bonuses can cost your company more money depending on the frequency. I would suggest speaking with your company's financial adviser before making any changes.

Twyla

The best business domains!

If you have or haven't started a business website yet, chances are that you're curious if you have the best deal on a domain. There are many popular providers, such as GoDaddy and Yahoo! Business. But, is ten dollars really the average for business domains?

As a business owner, I know every single penny of your budget counts. Below is a list of the top and cheapest business domain providers. I am not endorsing any of these websites but simply passing on the information.

#1. Register.com - starting at fifty cents per domain.
#2.NetworkSolutions.com - starting at seventy five cents per domain
#3. GoDaddy.com - there is a ninety-nine cent promotion but strings are attached.
#4. SuperCheapDomainNames.com

Buy and selling domains to other businesses can be a lucrative business, too. I recently had a friend offered over four thousand dollars for a domain she paid less than a dollar for! Sure, this type of money-maker use to be more prevalent, but there are still opportunities out there!

Have a great business domain provider? Please share it with me!

Twyla